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Adopted text

Packaging and packaging waste

TA-9-2023-0425 · P9_TA(2023)0425 · PE742.297

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 28 Sept 2026

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

Parliament's amended version of the proposed regulation on packaging and packaging waste sets rules for the whole life cycle of packaging. It requires all packaging to be recyclable, sets recycled content targets for plastic packaging, and bans intentionally added PFAS and Bisphenol A in food contact packaging. It sets re-use and refill targets for sectors such as take-away, large household appliances and transport packaging, and requires deposit and return systems for certain beverage containers. It requires Member States to reduce packaging waste per capita and to collect packaging waste separately. It makes producers responsible for the packaging they place on the market and requires harmonised labelling to help consumers sort waste.

Key points

  1. The regulation covers all packaging and packaging waste, except packaging approved for the transport of dangerous goods.
  2. Food contact packaging containing intentionally added PFAS or Bisphenol A shall not be placed on the market from 18 months after entry into force.
  3. All packaging placed on the market must be recyclable, meeting design for recycling criteria and recyclability at scale requirements set in delegated acts.
  4. Plastic packaging must contain minimum percentages of recycled content from post-consumer plastic waste, per packaging format, per manufacturing plant, per year.
  5. Microenterprises are exempt from the recycled content targets.
  6. Tea and coffee bags and single-serve units must be compostable to home composting standards or in industrially controlled conditions.
  7. Packaging must be designed to minimise weight and volume, and packaging with characteristics that only increase perceived volume shall not be placed on the market.
  8. Economic operators must meet re-use targets for large household appliances, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, and transport packaging from 1 January 2030.
  9. Member States must set up deposit and return systems for single-use plastic beverage bottles and single-use metal beverage containers from 0.1 litre to three litres.
  10. Member States must reduce plastic packaging waste generated per capita by 10% by 2030, 15% by 2035 and 20% by 2040, compared to 2018.
  11. Member States must ensure separate collection of 90% of packaging materials by weight by 1 January 2029.
  12. Producers have extended producer responsibility for packaging they make available on the market, and online platforms must comply with these requirements unless they prove producers already comply.

Who is affected

  • Economic operators placing packaging on the market, who must meet recyclability, recycled content and re-use rules.
  • Producers, who have extended producer responsibility for the packaging they place on the market.
  • Member States, which must set up separate collection and deposit and return systems and meet waste reduction targets.
  • Consumers, who will see harmonised labels on packaging to help them sort waste.
  • Online platforms and fulfilment service providers, which must ensure compliance with extended producer responsibility rules.

Figures and deadlines

  • 30% recycled content for contact sensitive PET packaging, except single use beverage bottles, from 1 January 2030.
  • 7.5% recycled content for contact sensitive packaging made from plastic materials other than PET, except single use plastic beverage bottles, from 1 January 2030.
  • 35% recycled content for plastic packaging other than contact sensitive packaging, from 1 January 2030.
  • 25% recycled content for contact sensitive packaging made from plastic materials other than PET, from 1 January 2040.
  • 10% reduction in plastic packaging waste per capita by 2030, 15% by 2035 and 20% by 2040, compared to 2018.
  • 90% separate collection of packaging materials by weight by 1 January 2029.
  • 50% of large household appliances in reusable transport packaging from 1 January 2030, and 90% from 1 January 2040.
  • At least 20% of non-alcoholic beverages in reusable packaging from 1 January 2030, and at least 35% from 1 January 2040.